Sheriff’s Office: 12-year-old shot by young teen

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- A 12-year-old is recovering in the hospital after Shelby County Sheriff's deputies say a 13-year-old shot him in the arm at a house in Southeast Shelby County on Friday afternoon.

“It’s real life and unfortunately, it came fast to them, but the good news is nobody got killed here,” said SCSO spokesperson Earle Farrell.

Shelby County Sheriff’s deputies said four kids were playing at a house on Riggory Cove when they came across one of their parent’s guns.

“They had it out playing with it and it went off and one of the boys, a 12-year-old, was shot in the arm," said Farrell. "It went through the left arm.”

That 12-year-old was rushed to the hospital where he’s expected to be okay, but back at the home, the suspected shooter was crying and shaking at what had just happened. His dad brought him to a deputy’s car where he was put in cuffs and taken downtown for questioning.

“We don’t believe it was intentional," said Farrell. "It was an accident.”

Deputies said the boys are neighbors and their parents were all gone at work -- until they got that terrifying call.

McCoy said he was working on a car when he saw all the commotion. As a parent, his heart broke when he heard what happened.

“I just can’t believe it," said McCoy. "I’m here doing a job and something like that happens just steps away; that’s crazy. I can’t believe it.”

The sheriff’s office said if you keep guns at your home, you need to think ahead.

“All these kids are traumatized by this, but you know how fascinated kids are with weapons, you got to get them locked up and tell your children if they do come across a gun, don’t touch it," said Farrell.

It’s not clear yet if anyone will be charged.

The Sheriff’s Office said the 13-year-old will go to juvenile court where they’re lenient on cases that seem to be accidental and where the kids show remorse.